Veterans Courts Provide Coordinated Response

Effective July 12, 2010, the Hennepin County Veterans Court will operate on a weekly basis, as a separate calendar within the existing Criminal Mental Health Court. Under the guidance of their defense attorney and with the consent of the prosecutor, defendants may apply to participate in the Veterans Court. The targeted population consists of defendants who have served in the United States Armed Forces who are experiencing treatable behavioral and chemical health issues;msuch as PTSD, TBI, anger management/domestic violence and/or substance abuse or chemical dependency. Defendants must be willing to take responsibility for their crimes. Eligible offenses include misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor and felony offenses, except mandatory and presumptive prison commitments. Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases are also accepted from the suburban courts as well. A treatable behavioral or chemical health issue is determined by an assessment completed by qualified personnel at the Veterans Administration or Veterans Court.

For full article, see: http://mncourts.gov/district/4/?page=4011